Cirrus Logic has received a research and development grant from Scottish Enterprise to develop a next-generation smart energy technology platform and expand its engineering activities in Scotland. The amount of the grant was not disclosed.
The project is scheduled to continue through 2028 and will support research, engineering infrastructure and talent development at Cirrus Logic’s operations in Edinburgh.
Cirrus Logic is developing a new metrology analog front-end platform designed to provide highly accurate energy measurements and calculations for smart power meters.
An analog front-end is a collection of semiconductor components that receives and processes real-world electrical signals before the information is converted into digital data. In energy systems, the technology can measure voltage, current and power consumption.
The platform is intended for residential, commercial and industrial metering. Potential applications include electric vehicle charging, energy storage, data center direct-current metrology and electricity grid monitoring.
Cirrus Logic expects the technology to support broader efforts involving grid modernization, electrification, energy management and decarbonization.
The company has maintained an engineering presence in Scotland for more than 40 years through Cirrus Logic and predecessor Wolfson Microelectronics. Edinburgh is now its largest engineering operation outside the United States.
The Scottish engineering team works across the product development lifecycle, including system architecture, semiconductor design, testing and product delivery. Under the new initiative, the team will assume greater responsibility for intellectual property development and advanced product features.
Cirrus Logic has also expanded its collaboration with the University of Strathclyde’s Institute for Energy and Environment. The research will examine ways utility companies and infrastructure operators can manage energy more efficiently.
The partnership combines academic research with Cirrus Logic’s semiconductor development expertise. The organizations aim to create practical measurement and management technologies for increasingly flexible and distributed energy systems.
Cirrus Logic is also investing in Scotland’s engineering workforce through university partnerships, scholarships, internships, graduate opportunities, mentoring and collaborative research.
Its university engagement program includes the University of Strathclyde, the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, and Heriot-Watt University. The company also operates a joint internship initiative involving the University of Glasgow and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Scottish Enterprise is Scotland’s national economic development agency. The organization supports companies developing technologies and industries that could contribute to economic growth and the country’s transition toward lower-carbon energy systems.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our Scottish engineering talent and operations have been an integral part of Cirrus Logic’s success for many years.”
“The project supports continued investment in engineering talent, research capabilities, and infrastructure in Edinburgh while strengthening Scotland’s position as a centre for semiconductor innovation.”
Neil Rankin, Vice President of Engineering at Cirrus Logic
“This investment will help Cirrus Logic expand collaboration between industry, academia, and the public sector to advance engineering work.”
“It also helps us build expertise in the globally critical areas of electrification and energy management and create opportunities for the next generation of engineers and innovators.”
Eddie Sinnott, Vice President of the Industrial and Automotive Business Units at Cirrus Logic
“The transition to smarter, more flexible energy systems depends on advances in the technologies that measure, manage, and optimise electricity use.”
Graeme Burt, Distinguished Professor of Electrical Power Systems and Director of the Institute for Energy and Environment at the University of Strathclyde
“Cirrus Logic has been an important part of Scotland’s technology landscape for many years, and this latest investment shows how Scottish R&D can help deliver the smart energy systems needed for a net zero future.”
Reuben Aitken, Managing Director of Energy Transition and International at Scottish Enterprise
